Anthony Bourdain Joins CNN for Weekend Show

TV personality Anthony Bourdain is joining CNN to host a new weekend program launching in early 2013, the network announced Tuesday.

The celebrity chef, best-selling author and world traveler known for his biting commentary, Bourdain will examine cultures around the world through their dining and travel rituals.

The series, which will be shot on location, will air on Sundays in primetime, with repeat airings on Saturday nights, in CNN’s attempts to broaden its brand and appeal beyond its traditional news coverage.

“For more than a decade, Anthony Bourdain has been a trailblazer in educating Americans about different cuisines and cultures around the world, as well as an outspoken commentator on social trends ranging from the rise of celebrity chefs to the impact of fast food chains to the spread of vegetarianism and veganism,” said Mark Whitaker, CNN’s worldwide executive vice president and managing editor. “Examining the world through the prism of Tony’s unique expertise and passions continues CNN’s long-standing commitment to international reporting and to promoting global understanding.”

When he’s not globe-trotting or picking on Paula Deen, Bourdain appears on the Travel Channel series “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations” and his new series, “The Layover,” as well as an occasional guest judge on Bravo’s “Top Chef.”

Bourdain’s trip to CNN means the end of “No Reservations” on the Travel Channel, which will end after this current eighth season, while “The Layover” has already been renewed for one more season.

“I’m really looking forward to coming over to CNN. I think the world is going to get a whole lot bigger for me,” said Bourdain in a statement. “I hope that old fans and new ones will be excited about what’s coming down the road.”